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Pornichet portents good

Pornichet, tipped for Group 1 success.

WA breeder-owner Craig Thompson is eyeing Group 1 success with French import Pornichet in the Doomben Cup (2000m) on Saturday.

Thompson, who owns Denmark-based Mt Hallowell Stud, bought a major share in Pornichet when Gai Waterhouse’s husband Robbie secured him at a London sale last year.

Cox Plate plans and a future stud career beckon for Pornichet, the TAB’s $4.20 favourite for the Doomben Cup.

A three-times winner in France before joining Gai Waterhouse’s stables, Pornichet backs up after lumping 60.5kg to victory in the Toowoomba Cup (2150m) last Saturday.

“I bought into Pornichet following on from the success of The Offer last year,” Thompson said.

“We were looking for more of a weight-for-age type of horse and Pornichet ticked all the boxes.

“He’s an entire with really interesting bloodlines.

“If he wins a Group 1 he’ll stand over there. If not, he could be my first stallion to stand at Denmark. I’m extremely excited for Saturday.”

Pornichet has also carried the Mt Hallowell Stud colours to victory in the Sandown Stakes (1500m) and Sellwood Stakes (2000m) in Australia.

The four-year-old had no luck when fifth behind Kermadec in last month’s Doncaster Mile (1600m).

His Doomben Cup claims received a boost when he drew barrier four. Blake Shinn is booked for the ride.

“He reminds me of my first Group 1 winner Theseo,” Thompson said. “It just took him a while to get his fitness up this time but he’s blossoming now.”

Theseo won five Group 1s and more than $3.2 million in prize money. Thompson also has a share in last year’s Sydney Cup winner The Offer, who was an early favourite for the Melbourne Cup before being sidelined with a leg injury.

The Offer is set to launch his comeback in a trial at Randwick tomorrow.

Closer to home, Thompson has enjoyed success with Temporise, Lunar Eclipse, Hazzabeel and Longma this season.

“I had a 21-month hiatus of Saturday winners in WA before Temporise won on Super Saturday,” Thompson said. “All the good ones are coming back, so it should be a good few months.”

Lunar Eclipse, Ningbo and debutant Peking will start for Thompson at Belmont Park on Saturday.

“Joe Azzopardi’s ride on Lunar Eclipse when he weaved his way through the field and won at Ascot was the best ride ever on one of my horses,” Thompson said.